Ideal Baby Carseat Features
Shop for a baby carseat that exceeds the safety standards of the federal NHTSA. You’d want side impact protection wings as well as a softly padded safety belt that can be moved to various positions to protect baby’s head and body from all angles. A good reinforced frame provides added safety. Typical infant carseats are designed for transporting babies weighing five to thirty pounds and up to 30″ long.
Some include a removable plush pad for newborns and a micro fiber fabric that’s breathable and ultra soft on baby’s skin. A nice adjustable hood will protect baby from the elements. For your comfort and convenience look for an adjustable carrying handle, preferably with a rubber grip for comfort.
Some makes attach easily to a stroller frame made by the same manufacturer. None of the infant car seats with that feature are interchangeable between manufacturers. A few baby carseat manufacturers make systems wherein the portable car seat has quick release anchors that permit moving the seat from a car seat base to a stroller chassis. Often you’re able to buy additional bases so that it is easy to move from one car to another.
The base is secured rather semi-permanently with your car’s seat belts or the LATCH system, the anchoring system specified by the federal government. If you don’t have a base for one of these systems the car seat can be secured with your car’s seat belts. It just takes a little more time than it would to pop it into the base with its quick release latches. be sure the portable car seat has been tested for use with or without the base
An ideal feature is one that permits adjustments as the baby grows. This offers a tremendous cost saving even though it may cast a little more for the initial purchase.
Many child safety seats are certified for aircraft as well as automobiles. If you do any air travel be sure yours is too.